How to Phone Belgium from UK: Full Guide

What You’ll Need

A phone (landline, mobile, or VoIP service like Skype or WhatsApp) with international calling enabled
The full Belgian number you want to reach, including the area code (for landlines) or the mobile prefix
Your phone plan’s international rates (check with your provider if you’re unsure)
A stable connection if using an internet-based service

Step-by-Step

Dial the UK exit code: 00 – This tells the UK network you’re making an international call. On most UK mobiles and landlines, you can also press and hold the 0 key to insert a + sign, which works the same way.
Enter Belgium’s country code: 32 – After the exit code, type 32. This is the code that routes your call to Belgium.
Drop the leading zero from the Belgian number – Belgian numbers are written with a leading 0, like 02 123 45 67 for Brussels or 0471 23 45 67 for a mobile. When calling from abroad, you must omit that first 0. So 02 123 45 67 becomes 2 123 45 67, and 0471 23 45 67 becomes 471 23 45 67.
Dial the rest of the number – For landlines, include the full area code (e.g., 2 for Brussels, 3 for Antwerp, 9 for Ghent) followed by the local number. For mobiles, dial the 8-digit number after the country code. The full international format looks like: 00 32 2 123 45 67 or 00 32 471 23 45 67.
Press the call button and wait – After dialling, press call. You should hear a ringing tone. If you’re using a VoIP service, you may need to select the country or enter the number in international format (with +32) in the app’s dialler.

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to drop the leading zero – This is the most common error. If you dial 00 32 02 123 45 67, it won’t connect because the 0 is not part of the international number.
Using the wrong exit code – Some people use 011 (the US exit code) or forget the 00 entirely. In the UK, it’s always 00 (or +).
Dialling a landline without the area code – Belgian landlines require the area code, even if you’re calling from abroad. For example, a number in Brussels always starts with 2 after the country code.
Confusing mobile and landline formats – Belgian mobile numbers start with 4 (e.g., 0471, 0485, 0499). If you’re calling a mobile, you must include that 4 after the country code. Landlines have different area codes (2, 3, 9, etc.).
Not checking international rates – Some UK mobile plans charge high rates for calls to Belgium. Check your tariff or consider using a VoIP app to avoid surprises.

Tips

Use the + sign – On mobiles, you can dial +32 instead of 00 32. The + sign works from any country, so it’s handy if you travel.
Save numbers in international format – Store Belgian contacts as +32 2 123 45 67 or +32 471 23 45 67. This way, you can call them directly without reformatting.
Consider VoIP for cheaper calls – Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Viber let you call Belgian numbers over the internet, often for free or at low rates. Just make sure the person you’re calling also has the app (for free calls) or that you have credit (for calling landlines).
Check time zones – Belgium is in Central European Time (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of the UK (GMT). During British Summer Time, the difference is still 1 hour because Belgium also observes daylight saving time. So if it’s 3 PM in London, it’s 4 PM in Brussels.
Test with a friend first – If you’re unsure, ask a friend in Belgium to send you their number in international format, then try calling them. That way you can confirm the format works.

Troubleshooting

Call doesn’t connect – Double-check that you’ve dropped the leading zero and that you’ve used the correct country code (32). Also, ensure you’re dialling the full number, including the area code for landlines.
You hear a busy tone or an error message – This could mean the number is incorrect or that your phone plan doesn’t allow international calls. Contact your provider to enable international dialling if needed.
Call drops or poor quality – If you’re using VoIP, check your internet connection. For mobile calls, try moving to an area with better signal. If the problem persists, try calling again later.
You’re charged even though the call didn’t connect – Some providers charge for international calls even if they don’t connect. Check your bill and contact your provider if you see unexpected charges.
Number is not recognised – Make sure you’re not including any extra characters like spaces or dashes. Some phones automatically format numbers, but if you’re entering manually, keep it simple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to dial 00 from a UK mobile?

Yes, on any UK phone, you need to dial the international access code 00 (or use the + sign). This is the same for landlines and mobiles.

What is the country code for Belgium?

Belgium’s country code is +32. You dial this after the exit code (00) or after the + sign.

How do I call a Belgian mobile from the UK?

Dial 00 32 followed by the 8-digit mobile number, omitting the leading 0. For example, if the number is 0471 23 45 67, you dial 00 32 471 23 45 67.

Can I call Belgium for free from the UK?

It depends on your phone plan. Some UK providers include international minutes, but many charge extra. Using internet-based apps like WhatsApp or Skype can be free if the other person has the app, or low-cost if you’re calling a landline.

What is the time difference between the UK and Belgium?

Belgium is 1 hour ahead of the UK. So if it’s 12:00 PM in London, it’s 1:00 PM in Brussels. This applies year-round because both countries observe daylight saving time.

Why do I get a message saying ‘number not recognised’?

This usually means you’ve included the leading zero or missed the country code. Check the number format: it should start with 00 32 or +32, then the area code (without the 0) and the local number.

Sources: Ofcom. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.